Soccer News of Thursday, 19 February 2009

Source: GNA

Kotoko's Regional Circles Council holds emergency meeting

Kumasi, Feb. 19 GNA - The Ashanti Regional Circles Council (RCC) of Kumasi Asante Kotoko F/C, on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to strategize and plan ahead for the second round of the Glo-Premier League which kicks off in the latter part of March this year. The meeting was also to enable the Council address differences existing between some of the supporters and radio presenters as well as other related issues.

Mr Kwadwo Nyantakyi, Chairman of the RCC in an address at the meeting, cautioned sports journalists especially radio presenters to be circumspect about their reportage in respect of Kotoko to help foster unity among the two bodies. He indicated that recent reportage by some of the presenters on developments in the Club was not the best and cited an instance where one radio presenter allowed the Chief Executive Officer of Kotoko, Mr. Sylvester Asare Owusu to be defamed by a former Chief Executive on their network for no apparent reason.

Mr Nyantakyi was also not happy about how some radio presenters divulge information about the Club for public consumption without conducting proper investigations to come out with the truth. The RCC Chairman said it was unfortunate that some radio presenters had given their own conclusions about the recent events that unfolded in the Kotoko-Hearts match. He explained that the issues bothering on the deaths of the four supporters, over crowding at the stands in the stadium and allegations of misappropriation of gate fees should be left for the right authorities to investigate and come out with their own facts before anybody can pass judgement.

Mr Nyantakyi reminded sports journalists that it behoves on them to abide by the code of ethics of their profession for sanity to prevail in Ghana football, saying the RCC would not sit down unconcerned for anybody to advance his or her hidden agenda against the Club. The RCC Chairman announced that his outfit was committed to strengthening the internal structures of the supporters group such as ensuring prompt payment of dues by members and other related issues. He announced that Kotoko would next week engage Wa All Stars and Owerriman F/C in friendly matches to keep the playing body in shape for the second round of the League as well as the CAF Champions League and therefore appealed to well-meaning supporters to resolve to give the team the physical and spiritual support needed in realizing their aims. Mr Nyantakyi further entreated the playing body, management and leaders of the Circles to give coach Isaac "Opeele" Boateng, the moral support he needs to deliver for the benefit of the Club. 19 Feb. 09